Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

In the United Kingdom, the film and television sector operates under the framework of the Equality Act 2010, which is a key legislation promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Act provides protection against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on various protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

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Distant Voices, as an organisation operating within the UK, adheres to the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation to ensure an inclusive and equitable environment. Here are some examples of how Distant Voices supports these guidelines:

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1. Inclusive Production Practices: Distant Voices actively promotes diversity and inclusion in its film and television productions. It takes measures to ensure that casting and crew recruitment processes are fair and unbiased, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in its projects. The organisation works towards representing a broad range of voices and experiences on screen.

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2. Training and Skill Development: Distant Voices integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into its training programs. For instance, it may include modules or workshops that raise awareness about unconscious biases, explore strategies for creating inclusive content, and provide guidelines for working in diverse and multicultural environments. By incorporating these aspects, Distant Voices aims to equip aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster an inclusive industry.

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3. Industry Collaborations and Initiatives: Distant Voices actively engages in collaborations and partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By working together with industry bodies, advocacy groups, and initiatives focused on representation and inclusion, Distant Voices contributes to the broader efforts of creating a more equitable and diverse film and television sector in the UK.

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4. Compliance with the Creative Diversity Standard: Distant Voices also aligns its practices with industry-specific guidelines, such as the Creative Diversity Standard. This standard, developed by the Creative Diversity Network (CDN) in the UK, provides a framework and measurement tool to assess diversity and inclusion across all aspects of television production. Distant Voices may engage with the Creative Diversity Standard to track and evaluate its progress in promoting diversity and inclusion within its productions.

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5. Internal Policies and Codes of Conduct: Distant Voices has internal policies and codes of conduct that support an inclusive and respectful working environment. These policies address issues such as equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, and harassment prevention. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, Distant Voices ensures that its employees, contractors, and collaborators uphold principles of diversity and inclusion throughout their work.

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By adhering to UK legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010, and engaging with industry-specific guidelines and initiatives, Distant Voices demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the film and television sector. Through these efforts, the organisation aims to foster a more inclusive and representative industry landscape in the UK.